Did you do outings? My kids have a lot of events going on, like sports and stuff. I really dont want to miss any of it. I have heard your 2nd c-section is easier than the first, but I still am leary about bringing a little baby around people and germs for awhile. BUT, I really dont want to spend most of the summer cooped up either. What did you do?
I was out and about a week after having the baby. I was on my 3rd section and I think I did over do it a bit. But I am an "on the go" person. I just had to remind myself to rest when I got too tired!
I had 3 older kids to deal with as well...they spent a lot of the time at the pool where the baby and I could relax in the shade!
Your 2nd c-section is not easier than the 1st as far as healing time. Healing time is the same. After a few weeks I could go on short outings but obviously my husband would have to do all the heavy lifting as far as car seats, etc. As long as you have help, and somewhere to sit, you should be fine after a few weeks.
I've had 3 c-sections & haven't waited to take myself / babies out. Worst conflict for me was the nursing schedule in the beginning. I'm a shy nurser, so that was hard at times.
You're fine bringing a baby out and about outside - it's enclosed spaces that you should try to avoid (malls, etc.). But that's pretty tough with older kids.
As for a c-section - if you're feeling good then go out and enjoy yourself. My midwife told me that if I notice heavier bleeding, then I am doing too much. So that's a good rule of thumb.
I was out and about four days after coming home. However, everyone is
different.
Not always - doctors tell you that to make you less concerned about the c-section. Actually, a 2nd c-section has a higher complication rate than a first c-section. I had a planned vaginal birth after c-section that became a c-section for my 2nd and the recovery was much, much worse because I had a 4 year old to take care of as well as an infant. I didn't go out other than doctors appointments for almost 4 weeks. You can't drive for 2 weeks after a c and you can't lift more than the baby (just baby - no car seat) for 6-8 weeks and that is if you don't have complications.
If you want an easy and quick recovery, then wait to go into labor and try a VBAC. The American College of Obstretricians and Gynos just changed their recommendations last year based on lots of medical research to say that a vaginal birth after c-section is safer for mother and baby and much safer for any future babies. My friends who have done that are up and about in a day and back to "normal" within 3 days (except for the sleep issues of having a newborn).
If you need help finding a VBAC provider (it is never too late to switch, I have a friend who switched providers while in labor and she VBACed) go to www.ican-online.org
As far as going out - if you nurse exclusively, then just keep people from touching baby (a sling works wonders for that) and your immune system basically keeps baby safe. Also, baby is better off outside than inside as far as germs are concerned.
Let me know if you have questions. C.
Not sure about a second C-section, but I had one with my only child over 16 years ago. We left the hospital 3 days later...went to Target and then Wendy's for a frosty on the way home!
I spent the next week mostly at home recovering physically (my hubby was off work that week so he could run errands for me if needed, but mostly we chilled out at home and had a few visitors stop by after a phone call first). The next week I was on my own and did some shopping myself with the baby. After that I was back to work 6 hour days as a Nanny, running those kids all over town to classes and such. After 2 weeks of that, I was back to 12 hour days of that, and my baby went everywhere with me.
Unless a baby is a preemie or health compromised, I don't understand all the witholding them from public? Just my opinion of course.
Congrats, BTW!
I've always taken my babies out as soon as we got out of the hospital. I keep them in their car seats with a blanket over it, and don't let anyone touch them. I just had my 3rd c-section 4 weeks ago and I went to my son's t-ball game 2 days after I got out of the hospital. But that's just me, I guess I heal pretty well and have had great recoveries. Just go by how you feel- if you feel like going out then do it, but just take it easy and don't try to do too much.
It really depends on how you feel. I had a c-section with my son and didn't go anywhere (aside from doctors) for the first two weeks. I drove myself to my OBGYN appointment at 2 weeks (mom was home with my son) and the doctor yelled at me for driving so soon b/c of the lap belt and the incision. At 4 weeks my OBGYN gave me the OK to go for walks, but not alone (just in case). By 6 weeks, we were back "in the swing" and going to parties and running errands- just really aware of how I was feeling while out.
As for the baby- just keep his little hands clean!
I think it depends on the person. My 2nd was much easier to recover from. But I still didn't feel up to outings the first couple of weeks. And you are right not to take the baby out much at first. In the summer it's less about germs and more about them getting overheated.
I recovered quickly after my second C-section :)
I took baby out right away but made sure people didn't get too close and had hand sanitizer readily available. Don't stay cooped up...Get out of the house as much as you can.
I have had three c-sections and each was different. My 2nd was miserable, and it was six weeks, maybe eight, before I didn't feel like an invalid. My third was much, much better. I think you play it by ear, just be aware of your body, and consult with your doctor.
